New iMac Out Today – But Don’t Head To An Apple Store Just Yet!

Apple’s newest iMac desktop computer is finally available for purchase.

The iMac is being offered in several configurations, but only the version with the 21.5” screen is being released during the November 30 launch. A 27” screen option will be released in December. Prices for the 21.5” iMac start at $1299 and the 27” iMac will debut at $1799.

But a call to a local Apple store revealed that the computers are not actually in their possession yet (as of store opening hours).

The store didn’t know when they’d be in or what configurations they’d be getting, only noting “sometime today.” They also said that Fusion drives would not be available.

Custom configurations can be ordered online, and Apple’s website notes it only adds a few days to the process. At checkout, buyers are told to expect their order to ship in 7-10 days. Standard shipping is free at Apple.com through December 21.

It should also be noted that the latest iMac does not come with a DVD drive, but that Apple does offer their USB SuperDrive as an add-on for $79. It is capable of burning CDs, DVDs, and dual-layer DVDs. Other manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, and Seatech offer external drives compatible with Apple products starting under $40.

For additional savings, Apple offers an education discount to “college students, parents buying for a college student, or teachers, homeschool teachers, administrators and staff of all grade levels,” according to their site. Students who have been accepted into college are also eligible. A list of eligible schools and the terms and conditions are here: http://store.apple.com/us-hed/findyourschool.

The iMac will be offered through authorized resellers, however there was no word yet on when the computers will be available at those locations. It appears Best Buy will be carrying the new iMac, as a search of their site does list the new computer. However, starting prices were listed with a “Coming Soon” graphic in place of the usual “Add to Cart” button. Searches on Amazon.com only revealed older model iMacs.

Callers ordering from Apple by phone should note that wait times for Apple tend to be lengthy. GetHuman.com’s callback feature is available for contacting Apple. Utilizing technology provided by LucyPhone, they do the dialing and wait on hold for you, ringing your phone back when it’s your turn in the queue.

For other questions, using Apple.com’s live chat feature is another way to get answers. However, we found an employee at 1-800-MyApple to be much more helpful and knowledgeable than the live chat employee who was unable to answer any of our questions.

Will you be picking up a new iMac soon? Which model? Do you think the custom configuration is worth the wait? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section below!

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